Portable access device

ABSTRACT

Portable devices, methods, and systems for controlling access to computers and other secure systems such as systems protecting secure premises, by processing data supplied by the individual seeking access to the system and data supplied by the system to which the prospective user seeks access, to determine whether access by the individual is to be authorized or enabled. In one embodiment the invention provides a device for providing a code that may be used to access a system such as a computer or security system. The device comprises an output device and at least one processor. The processor processes data representing a biometric characteristic of a prospective user of the system and a signal provided by the system, and, depending upon a result of the processing, provides to the output device a code that may be used to access the system.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides devices, methods, and systems for controllingaccess to secure systems. In particular, the invention provides devices,methods, and systems for controlling access to computers and othersecure systems using a portable access device.

Devices for controlling access to systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,432,851 and 6,490,680 to Scheidt et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,754to Boerbert; U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,537 to Tello; and U.S. Pat. No.5,347,580 to Molva et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides devices, methods and systems for controllingaccess to systems such as computers and systems controlling access tosecure facilities or premises, etc., using information provided by aperson seeking access to the system, and by the system to which theperson is seeking access, to determine whether access by that person isto be authorized. The information to be provided by the person seekingaccess identifies the person. The information to be provided by thesystem is made available at a location at which the information to beprovided by the person seeking access are input to the system.

In preferred embodiments, the information to be provided by the personseeking access can only be provided in the presence of that person,e.g., biometric data obtained directly from the person. In suchembodiments, the person seeking access must be physically present at thelocation of the system at which the information is to be input toprovide his or her information, together with a device (also referred toas an “access device”) which receives the information provided by thesystem. Information from the person seeking access and the system isthen used at the system's input location to determine whether toauthorize the person to access the system. If the person seeking accessis determined to be authorized, in various embodiments, a signal or codeis provided that can be tested, e.g., by the system, to determinewhether access is to be provided.

If, as a result of processing information received from the system andfrom the person seeking access, it is determined that access by thatperson is not authorized, no code may be provided, or an invalid code, awarning, a notification of access denial, or other suitable signal(s)may be provided.

In preferred embodiments, the access device according to the inventionuses the information supplied by the person seeking access and thesystem, and provides the signal or code to the person, who can thenprovide it to the system for which access is sought by the person, ordirectly to the system. In one embodiment, the portable device providesa code to a person seeking access, and that person inputs the code tothe system, which then provides access if the code is found to beauthorized. In another embodiment, the access device may output a codedsignal directly to the system.

Since information is provided both by the person seeking access and thesystem for which access is sought, the access device must be present atthe system location which is to receive the code or coded signal to beprovided by the device, and the person must provide his or herinformation to the access device while at the system location. In apreferred embodiment, the person's information is biometrically based,so that the person must be present at the system location when thesystem provides its information.

The access device may include on-board devices that receive informationprovided by the person and system, or signals from such devices that arenot on board the portable device but linked thereto.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a portable access device forproviding the code or coded signal that may be tested to determinewhether to provide access to the system. In a preferred embodiment, sucha device comprises an output device and at least one processor. Theprocessor processes information provided by the person seeking accessand the system and, depending upon a result of the processing, providesto the output device a code that may be used to access the system, ornot, depending upon the provided information.

As mentioned, the information representing a biometric characteristic ofa person seeking access to the system includes information representingany physical characteristic of the prospective user which may be used toidentify, with a certainty sufficient in view of the purposes andrequirements of the system to which access is being sought, to uniquelyidentify the person as authorized to receive access. Such informationcan include, for example, data representing fingerprint patterns orfinger images, retina scans, or DNA samples, and is acquired by and/orprovided to the processor(s) of the portable access device by anysuitable devices, such as one or more biometric sensors. A large numberand variety of suitable biometric characteristics, and methods andsensors for acquiring and processing information representing them, suchas fingerprint and retina scanners, are known, and are continuouslybeing developed. The identification of suitable biometriccharacteristics, and devices and methods for acquiring and processinginformation representing them, in view of the purposes and requirementsof systems to be protected by controlled access, is within the abilityof those having ordinary skill in the art.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, information representingbiometric characteristics of prospective users is read or sampleddirectly from the person seeking access. Thus, in some embodiments oneor more sensors suitable for acquiring information representingbiometric characteristics of a person seeking access are included in theaccess device, and configured to provide acquired information to one ormore processors for use in determining whether to grant the person fromwhom the information is acquired access to the system.

Some embodiments of the invention process signals provided by the systemto which access is being sought, in addition to biometric informationrelated to a person seeking access as part of the process of determiningwhether access is to be authorized. The use of information provided bythe system to which access is being sought enables, among other things,the determination as to whether access is to be authorized to be made invarious modes according to circumstances. For example, processingrelated to a request from a person seeking to access a computer systemfrom a user station, designated as a primary entry station, from whichaccess by the person is conditionally pre-authorized, or partlypre-authorized, may proceed in a different way than processing relatedto a request from the same person attempting to access the same computersystem from a user station that is not designated as primary.

Information provided by the system to which access is being sought forprocessing by the access device may be provided to the access device inany suitable manner. Many systems, devices, and methods for signaltransfer are known, and will hereafter be developed. For example, insome embodiments of the invention, the access device comprises one ormore sensors for receiving signals from the system to be accessed. Suchsensors may be used, alone or in combination, to receive and pass to theprocessor, visible-light, infrared, or other electromagnetic, audio, orother stimuli suitable for carrying information, either by wired orwireless means. The selection of suitable systems, devices, and methodsfor providing such signals to the processor will be well within theability of those having ordinary skill in the art, in view of thisdisclosure.

The one or more processors for processing biometric information providedby the person seeking access and information provided by the systemcomprise any suitable data and signal processors, including anyhardware, firmware, and software, suitable for meeting the purposesdescribed herein. In some embodiments of the invention such processorscomprise one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)and associated devices and software. Processing for determining whetherto provide to an output device a code that may be used to access thesystem, depending upon the biometric information and the informationprovided by the system to be accessed, may be performed entirely byprocessors included in the portable device, or partly by processorsincluded in the portable device and partly by processors included in thesystem to be accessed, in a data sharing or shared processing scheme, orin other suitable ways consistent with the purposes disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, processing for determining whether to provide to anoutput device a code that may be used to access the system, using thebiometric information and the information provided by the system to beaccessed, comprises conditioning provision of the code to the outputdevice upon a correlation between the information representing thebiometric characteristic and stored biometric information. For example,biometric information acquired by a biometric sensor and provided to theprocessor(s) is compared to stored biometric information, and adetermination is made as to whether a correlation between the providedand stored information is satisfied. In the event that a satisfactorycorrelation is established, the processor provides to the output devicea code useable for accessing the system. The establishment andevaluation of correlations between information acquired from prospectivesystem users and stored biometric information is known, and is withinthe ability of those having ordinary skill in the arts.

Embodiments of access devices according to the invention may comprisememory for storing biometric information for use in determining whetherto provide an access code that may be used to access the secure systemto an output device, or otherwise enable access to the secure system. Inother embodiments, such stored biometric information may be stored inmemory associated with the system to be accessed, and information and/orprocessing for determining whether to provide a useable access code isshared between the access device and the system to be accessed.

The output devices to which the processors provide codes that may beused to access the secure system may be of any type suitable forimparting to a prospective user a code suitable for gaining access tothe system, such as a human-readable sequence of alphanumeric or othercharacters. For example, display devices such as LEDs, LCDs, CRTs; orprinting or audio devices may be used. In a preferred embodiment, asmall LCD display is used, in order to reduce physical size and powerrequirements for the portable access device.

In some embodiments, an access device according to the inventioncomprises a housing for supporting sensors, processors, and other itemsincorporated by the portable device, and the housing includes one ormore surfaces for bearing devices useful for identifying users of theaccess device or other individuals, such as photographic images,electromagnetic strips, and/or other devices for storing and/orproviding access to identifiers or other information. Suchdevice-bearing surfaces are useful, for example, where the access devicecomprises relatively compact components, e.g., suitable for making theaccess device portable, configured such that the housing can form asuitably-sized and -shaped casing to act as an identification card. Suchembodiments may further comprise electromagnetic strips and otherdevices for storing and/or providing access to identification and otherdata.

In other embodiments, the invention provides methods, and suitableprocessors and other components, including software, for providing codesfor use in accessing systems of the type described herein. Such methodsare preferably performed by portable access devices and compriseprocessing information received from a biometric sensor associated witha portable access device to establish a correlation between the receivedbiometric information and stored biometric information; and, if thecorrelation satisfies a correlation criteria, providing to an outputdevice of the portable access device an access code that may be used toaccess the system, otherwise not providing to the output device a codethat may be used to access the system. The access code, where provided,is determined using a signal received by a signal sensor associated withthe portable access device from a signal generator associated with thesystem to be accessed. The access code that may be used to access to thesystem is preferably session-specific. The provision of session-specificaccess codes helps, for example, to ensure that a specific authorizeduser offering access to the system is physically present at the point ofaccess to the system.

In still other embodiments, the invention provides methods and suitableprocessors and other components for providing codes for use in accessingsystems of the type described herein, where the codes and thedetermination of whether to provide them may be made according to aplurality of processing modes, the mode used in a given case beingdetermined by the circumstances of the request for access. For example,a signal received by a signal sensor of the portable access device froma signal generator associated with a system to be accessed may beprocessed to determine whether the system has received informationindicating that a person seeking access to the system is attempting toaccess the system using a conditionally pre-authorized input device(e.g., at a primary entry station). If it is determined that this personis attempting to access the system using a conditionally pre-authorizedinput device, an access code that may be used to access the system isprovided to an output device regardless of any biometric informationreceived from a biometric sensor of the portable access device.Otherwise an access code that may be used to access the system isprovided only upon determination that a correlation criterion orcriteria is satisfied by biometric information received from thebiometric sensor and biometric information otherwise accessed by theaccess device.

The invention also provides systems for working with portable accessdevices according to the invention, including all suitable software,processors, memory devices, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in whichlike references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of aportable access device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation of a preferred embodiment of aportable access device according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear elevation of a preferred embodiment of aportable access device according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram of a preferred embodimentof a portable access device according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a processor, and related components,suitable for use in a portable access device according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of use of a portable access device accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7-9 are schematic diagrams of process flows according to preferredembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus according tothe invention are described through reference to the Drawings.

FIGS. 1-3 depict a preferred embodiment of a portable access device 100according to the invention. Although the representations in the drawingsand the discussion below relate to a portable access device, theinvention is not so limited, and the invention may be embodied indevices other than portable devices. For example, all or some of theinformation provided by a person seeking access and the system may beprocessed by the system. In such a case, the access device need not beportable.

Portable access device 100 is useful for facilitating access to computerand other systems, and comprises: housing 101; signal sensor 102 (FIG.3) for receiving a signal (having the information described above) froma signal generator associated with the computer system; biometric sensor103 for acquiring information (also referred to as “data”) representinga biometric characteristic of a person seeking access to the computer(or a “user” or “prospective user”) 200 (see also FIG. 6), and therebyuniquely identifying the user and the user's co-location with the accessdevice; output device 104; and at least one processor 105 (FIGS. 4, 5)for processing the acquired biometric data and the signal, and forproviding to the output device an access code determined using thebiometric data and the signal.

Device 100 further comprises numerous surfaces 107, including edges ofthe housing (for clarity unmarked by reference numerals), suitable forbearing user identification devices such as photographic image 106.Housing 101 is sized to serve conveniently as an identification card aswell as an access device. In the embodiment depicted, device 100 has alength 120 of approximately 57 millimeters, a width 121 of approximately35 millimeters, and a depth 122 of approximately 2-6 millimeters. Thus,device 100 has dimensions similar to those of a standard credit orelectronic identification card such as an automatic bank card, and willfit comfortably in a hand of most human users, in a fashion such thateach of the component devices associated with the device 100 may becomfortably and effectively operated, as well as fitting in pockets,wallets, etc. Device 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1-3 further comprises aslot 115 suitable for use in attaching a lanyard, cord, or other devicefor facilitating carrying and/or restraint of the access device, as forexample by placing a cord around the neck of a user of the device.

The configuration of device 100, and in particular the externalconfiguration, may be influenced by aesthetic, or non-functional, aswell as functional considerations. For example, the configuration anddimensions of slot 115, length 120, width 121, and depth 122, as well asthe choice of a generally rectangular configuration, may be influencedor determined by both functional and aesthetic considerations.Similarly, the location of various components in the device may also beinfluenced by aesthetic considerations. For example, the placement ofbiometric sensor 103 on a first surface 125 of the access device, andsignal sensor 126 on a second surface 126 facilitates use and operationof the access device, as explained further herein, but may alsosignificantly influenced by aesthetic considerations, as for example inthe embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3. A wide variety of configurationsand dimensions will be found to be useful and suitable for the widevariety of uses and applications to which it is contemplated that theinvention will be put. The selection of dimensions and configurationssuitable for devices used for various applications will be well withinthe ability of designers of ordinary skill in the art, in view of thisdisclosure.

The portable access device 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 further comprises acover (not shown) for covering biometric sensor 103. The cover is openedand closed by selectively operating switch 109, e.g., a mechanicalswitch which comprises a mechanical linkage that selectively rotates thecover into an open position, in which the biometric sensor 103 isexposed, and to a closed position, in which the sensor is hidden fromview and protected from shocks and other harmful contacts by externalobjects. Switch 109 may also include and/or selectively activate one ormore switches (e.g., electrical switches 142, 143 of FIG. 4), toactivate processor 105 and other components of the access device 100 byactivating, for example, one or more of battery 144 and power supply141.

Covers and activating switches may also be provided for signal sensor102, output device 104, and/or other components, as desired or suggestedby the intended use of the access device 100 and the environment inwhich the device is expected to be used.

FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram of a preferred embodimentof a portable access device according to the invention, showing thefunctional arrangement of the device's components. The diagram of FIG. 4depicts functional connections between a plurality of signal sensors102, biometric sensor 103, output device 104, processor 105, battery144, power supply 141, switches 142, 143, memories 147, 148, 149, andother components.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, access device 100 comprises aplurality of signal sensors 102, including visible-light sensor 131 andinfrared transceiver 133. Providing a plurality of signal sensorsincreases the utility of the portable access device by, for example,making it operable with a greater variety of secure systems, under abroader range of operating conditions. For example, an access devicecomprising a visible-light sensor 131 and an infrared sensor 133 may beused both to receive data based on visible light transmitted by adisplay screen or other device, as herein described, and to receive andtransmit data using infrared signals from infrared light generators.Access devices according to the invention incorporating pluralities ofsignal sensors may comprise processors and processing logic, software,etc., suitable for operation of the access devices with the respectivetypes of signal generators. Although the sensors 131 and 133 enablewireless operation, the access device may be coupled to the system by awire, disconnected in the case of a portable access device, over whichthe system provides information to the access device.

The selection of specific components for use with access devicesaccording to the invention will depend upon the specific application(s)to which the devices are to be put, the environment(s) in which they areexpected to perform, and a number of other factors that will occur tothose familiar with the relevant design arts. Examples are describedbelow for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6. Identification ofsuitable components, existing or designed for the particular application(as for example ASICs), for systems according to the invention will bewithin the ability of those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, oncethey have been made familiar with this disclosure.

An example of a suitable visible-light photosensor is the LX1970 visiblelight detector available from Microsemi Corporation, of Irvine, Calif.This component comprises, for example, an automatic brightness controlthat can extend battery operation and lengthen the life of large screenliquid crystal display components, and can operate in temperaturesranging from −40 deg. C to +85 deg. C. It has an 8-pin MSOP surfacemount package measuring only about 3×3 mm, which helps minimize the sizeof the access device. The Sharp Corporation also produces severalsuitable visible-light photosensors.

A variety of suitable infrared light sensors exist, and are continuouslybeing developed. In some embodiments infrared transceivers are used, sothat data may be both transmitted and received by the portable device100. For example, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) compliant devicemay be used for communication by the device with an infrared sensor toupload software updates or modifications, as well as to transmit andreceive data related to access to the secure system, such as code seedsor access codes.

An example of a suitable biometric sensor is the AES3000 series offinger scanners, and particularly the AES3500 EntréPad® available fromAuthentec, Inc., of Melbourne, Fla., USA (www.authentec.com), connectedto a suitable ASIC as described below via an 8-bit parallel bus,asynchronous serial interface, and/or other appropriate connection. Inthe example shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the finger scanner is disposedwithin housing 101 such that it is accessible by the pad of a thumb orfinger of a user while the access device 100 is held in the user's hand.Housing 101 comprises a guide ridge 181 to assist the user in orientinghis finger or thumb in a position, relative to the scanner, tofacilitate rapid and effective scanning of the pad surface. For example,guide 181 may be disposed so that its position corresponds with that ofa joint between the tip and first knuckle of the user's finger or thumbwhen the finger or thumb is in position for rapid and effectivescanning.

An example of a suitable output device is a dot-matrix LCD providing a16×48 array of display elements. Such a display is suitable forproviding access codes and various warning and instruction messages of0-12 alphanumeric or other characters, or more. Alternatively or inaddition, audio, line printing, and other types of devices may be used.

Processor 105 may comprise an ASIC 105 such as that shown functionallyin FIGS. 4 and 5. The ASIC of FIGS. 4 and 5 is built around an ARM940Tcore. The ASIC of FIGS. 4 and 5 comprises the ARM9 processor, staticRAM, and suitable interfaces for controlling and input/outputinterfacing with other components comprised by the access device.Application programming for accomplishing access processes as describedherein is stored in off-chip FLASH memory 147. When the access device isactivated, as for example by activating switch 142 by opening a coverfor biometric sensor 103 using switch 109, processor 105 loads theapplication from FLASH memory 147 into on-chip RAM 148. Applicationprocessing updates can be provided via infrared sensor interface 133 orother suitable interface. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6,processor 105 has an operating temperature range of 0-70 degreesCelsius, and an operating voltage of 1.8V±10%. The ARM940T processor isavailable through ARM Ltd., 110 Fulbourn Road, Cambridge, England.

Battery 144 may comprise a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cell providingapproximately 450 mAh at 1.8V, with a life, under expected workingconditions, of three years or more. Power supply 141 provides a 100 mAoutput at 1.8V. A wide variety of suitable batteries, power supplies,switches, and other components are available commercially through anumber of manufacturers.

Housing 101 is fabricated from any suitable material having sufficientstrength, rigidity, durability, damage tolerance, and corrosion andwater resistance suitable for the purposes described herein. In theexample of a hand-held device described herein, a combination of plasticand metal components may be used. In some embodiments security isenhanced by provided access device 100 housed in a housing 101 that issealed, potted, etc., so that the device may not be opened, or itscomponents accessed, by any user without rendered the device inoperable.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a processor 105 suitable for use in aportable access device according to the invention. Processor 105comprises integrated circuit core 311, comprising an ARM940T processoras described above, and bus interface 312, with connections to memories147, 148, 149, and to other components including biometric sensor 103,photosensor 102, and display 104.

In addition to storing application programming instructions, FLASHmemory 147, and/or MROM 149 and SPSRAM 148 may store additionalinformation, such as, for example, data representing biometriccharacteristics of one or more authorized prospective users of device100 and one or more secure computer or other systems. Storage of suchbiometric data is useful, for example, where processor 105 processesbiometric data acquired from biometric sensor 103 to determine whether acorrelation exists between the acquired data and the stored biometricdata, alone or in combination with one or processors associated with thesecure system to which access is being sought.

Connections and interoperability between individual components shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 may be made in known manners. Many suitable components areknown, or may be developed hereafter for specific applications. Theselection or development of suitable components, and for suitableconnections to facilitate their operation in the manner describedherein, is well within the ability of those of ordinary skill in thearts, in view of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portable access device according to apreferred embodiment of the invention being used to access a computer orother secure system in accordance with processes described herein. User200 is holding an access device 100 with a finger 193 positioned on ascanning surface of biometric sensor 103, such that the image, or print,of the pad of the user's finger 193 may be scanned, and datarepresenting the print or image acquired, for use by processor 105 asbiometric data in determining whether an access code useable foraccessing a computer or other system, which may comprise computer 600and/or any other computers or other secure systems communicativelylinked to computer 600, should be displayed at output device 104 for useby user 200. For example, computer 600 may be linked to one or moresecure computers or other secure systems over a private local or widearea network, or via a public network such as the Internet, and may thusact as an entry port to another secure system. Thus computer 600 and/orany computers or systems communicatively linked to computer 600 maycomprise a secure system to be accessed by user 200, or may serve as anentry port for such systems.

As depicted in FIG. 6, user 200 is holding device 100 such that signalsensor 102 is exposed to, or otherwise in a position to receive signalsemitted by portion 603 of display screen 601 of computer 600. In someembodiments of the invention signals are generated by the system towhich access is sought by causing portion 603 of the display screen(which may include all or a portion of screen 601) to flash on and offin a series of illuminations representing data. As such screen portion603 functions as a signal generator or light source. The intermittentflashes of light generated by screen portion 603 and sensed by signalsensor 102 are provided to processor 105, and interpreted by that or anyother processor linked thereto, as representing data that may be used toprovide a code, such as a session-unique, human readable code, to outputdevice 104. The signal portion 603 may provide any suitable coded lightsignal. For example, the entire screen portion 603 may be modulated toprovide a coded light signal, e.g., coded according to the Manchestercode. This approach is suitable to cause sufficient technology displays,e.g., CRT, LCD, plasma, etc., to emit the coded light signal. Othermodulation schemes may also be used, and are known to those of skill inthe art.

In other embodiments signals are generated by infrared or other wirelessdevices, such as infrared transceiver 609 of keyboard 611 linked tocomputer 600, or by or by port 613, into which an access device 100having suitable port communications devices may be inserted. Signalsgenerated by the system to which access is sought may also betransmitted to device 100 by wire.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a process flow according to a preferredembodiment of the invention. The process depicted in FIG. 7 may be usedto initialize an access device according to the invention.

The access device 100 may be provided by the operator of the system forwhich access is sought, or by the operator's designee, in anunititialized, or unenrolled state, in which the system is incapable ofrecognizing any user or providing a useable access code to any user.

Referring to FIG. 7, at 1011 the access device 100 is received by theprospective user of the secure system. At 1105 the prospective useraccesses an initialization, or enrollment, screen for the system, as forexample by using an input device associated with the system, such as akeyboard 611 of system 600 of FIG. 6. For example, a user wishing toaccess the BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service provided by Bloomberg LPaccesses a system enrollment page by using the keyboard and inputprompts displayed on a screen 601 and thereby accessing a system home orstart-up page and entering a command ENROLL <GO>.

Upon receipt of the prospective user's request to enroll, e.g., theENROLL <GO> command, at 1109 the secure system prompts the user forentry of an identifier uniquely associated with the access device 100.For example, the system displays a screen at display 601, prompting theprospective user to enter a serial number provided on the accessdevice's housing 101, as for example by typing it at a keyboard or otherinput device associated with system 600.

Once the system has received a valid identifier entered by theprospective user, at 1113 the system prompts the prospective user withinstructions for presenting to a biometric sensor such a biometriccharacteristic for acquisition of data representing the characteristic.For example, the system displays instructions directing the prospectiveuser to place a thumb over a fingerprint sensor of, or to present an eyefor retina scanning by, a biometric sensor 103. The instructions may bepresented at a display 601 of the system 600, at output device 104, orin other suitable location. At 1117 the user follows the instructionsand presents the biometric characteristic for the biometric sensor 103,and the sensor 103 scans the presented finger or retina, or otherwiseacquires data representing the biometric characteristic. If necessaryfor activating the sensor, the prospective user activates the accessdevice 100 by turning it on, as for example by operating a switchassociated with a power supply, as for example switch 109 which also.

At 1121 the system determines whether the biometric data acquired fromthe prospective user, i.e., biometric data representing a biometriccharacteristic of the prospective user, is satisfactory for use incomparing data acquired in future samplings to the currently-acquiredsample, to determine whether a suitable correlation exists foridentifying the prospective user and authorizing presentation of anaccess code useable for accessing the secure system. The determinationwhether the acquired sample is satisfactory for use in making thecomparison is made by processor(s) 105 of access device 100, by one ormore processors associated with computer 600, by processors otherwiseassociated with the system to be accessed, or by any suitablecombination of such processors. Criteria and processes to be used inmaking such determinations are known, and many new suitable criteria andprocesses are continuously being developed. The establishment andimplementation of such criteria and processes will depend, inter alia,upon the biometric characteristics to be used, the degree of certaintydesired in the correlation, and other factors, and will be within theability of those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

If the sample is satisfactory, data representing the sample are storedin memory accessible to the processor(s) to be used in establishing thecorrelation, such as one or more of memories 147, 148, 149, or othermemory associated with the access device or system to be accessed, andprocessing proceeds. If the sample is not satisfactory, as for exampleif the biometric characteristic was improperly positioned relative tothe biometric sensor 103, the prospective user is prompted again at 1113to re-present the biometric characteristic for re-sampling. The user maybe prompted by the system to which access is desired, as for example bymessages displayed on display 601, by messages displayed on outputdevice 104, such as “bad print”, or both. The prospective user may beinvited to provide the biometric characteristic a set number of timesbefore the system shuts down and, for example, requires the user to seekadministrative help or to proceed according to other recommendations.For example, the cycle 1113-1121 may repeat 5 or another number oftimes, depending upon the objects of the secure system and those whoadminister it.

If the biometric data acquired at 1117 is suitable for establishingcorrelations with future samplings, at 1125 the prospective user isprompted to present the access pad 100 such that one or more of signalsensor(s) 102 are able to receive signals generated by the system to beaccessed. For example, using the device depicted in FIGS. 1-3, theprospective user is prompted to present the device 100 in the mannershown in FIG. 6, so that photosensor 102, 131 may receive light signalsfrom signal generation portion 603 of screen 601.

Upon receipt of signals from signal generating portion 603, at 1129processor 105 causes an access code that may be used to access thesecure system to be provided at output device 104, as for example bydisplaying a four-character code on an LED or LCD display.

In some embodiments of the invention, a code provided at output device104 is provided only for a limited time period. This is useful, forexample, in preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to thecode and the secure system. For example, in some embodiments of theinvention a four-character code is displayed on an LED display forapproximately 20 seconds. It has been found that for controlling accessto secure computer systems of the type contemplated herein, the 20second period is adequate for allowing an authorized user to enter thecode at a keyboard and for the secure system to receive and process thecode, and grant access, while being short enough to prevent or reduceunauthorized access to the secure system.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least process steps 1109,1113, 1117, 1121, 1125, and 1129 are performed wholly or at leastpartially by the portable access device 100.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a process flow according to a preferredembodiment of the invention. The process depicted in FIG. 8 may be usedto control access, in any one of multiple modes, to a secure system byproviding to an output device 104 in suitable circumstances, an accesscode that may be used to access the secure system.

The process of FIG. 8 begins at 2311 when the prospective user accessesan authorization (e.g., log-in) function of the secure system to beaccessed. For example, a user wishing to access the BLOOMBERGPROFESSIONAL® service provided by BLOOMBERG LP accesses a system log-inscreen by using a keyboard 611 and input prompts displayed on a screen601 at a system entry port such as a computer 600.

In response to a request from the entry port, at 2315 the secure systemcauses the prospective user to be presented with prompts, such asinteractive input fields on a graphical user interface provided atscreen 601, for the prospective users system identification number and apassword. The entry port 600 forwards data input by the prospectiveuser, along with an identifier of the entry port itself. For example, ina system such as the BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service, a subscribing (orotherwise authorized) user's computer terminal, or prospective entryport, is provided with proprietary software for providing an interfaceto the BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service by causing the user's computerterminal to act as an entry port to the service. This software, whichresides at the user terminal, is designed to cause the system 600 tosend to the BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL® service, under specified conditionsincluding attempted log-in, an identifier used to uniquely identify theuser terminal as a (prospective) entry port. The BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL®service retains in memory a record associating the user terminal withone or more prospective users. Thus, upon receipt at 2315 of aprospective user's system i.d., the prospective user's password, and aterminal identifier, the secure BLOOMBERG system is enabled to determinewhether the prospective user is attempting to access the system using anentry port with which the user is normally associated, which thesystem's administrators may designate as a primary entry station for theprospective user.

Upon receipt of the prospective user's i.d. and password and theprospective entry port's identifier (if any), at 2319 the secure systemdetermines whether the entry port has been defined as a primary entrystation for the user.

If the prospective entry port has been identified as a primary entrystation for the prospective user, at 2335 the user is presented with arequest to provide any additional required information, and is grantedaccess to the secure system. Access to the secure system at 2335 may beconditioned upon additional factors, such as correlation of datarepresenting a biometric characteristic of the prospective user withstored biometric data. For example, at a primary entry station, such asa regular work station/terminal, a prospective user may be provided witha biometric sensor associated with the terminal, such as a sensorincorporated in a keyboard 611, and pre-authorization may be conditionedupon correlation of data acquired by the keyboard sensor and storeddata, instead of, or in addition to, any data acquired by a sensor onthe portable access device.

If at 2319 it is determined that the prospective entry port has not beenidentified as a primary entry station for the prospective user, as forexample where a prospective user is attempting to access the securesystem from a remote or visitor terminal, or via a network other thanthe user's primary terminal or network, at 2335 the user is presented at2323 with instructions to present the portable access device in afashion such that one or more of signal sensor(s) 102 are able toreceive signals from the secure system, as for example by presenting thesignal sensor 102 in the fashion shown in FIG. 6, so that sensor 102 isexposed to light rays emanating from signal generating portion 603. Theprospective user may also be instructed to simultaneously present abiometric characteristic for scanning or other sampling or sensing bybiometric sensor 103, as for example by presenting a fingertip as shownin FIG. 6.

At 2327 the system determines whether the biometric data acquired fromthe prospective user correlates satisfactorily with previously-acquired,stored data representing the same biometric characteristic. Thedetermination whether the correlation between the acquired sample andthe stored data is made by processor(s) 105 of access device 100, by oneor more processors associated with computer 600, by processors otherwiseassociated with the system to be accessed, or by any suitablecombination of such processors. Criteria and processes to be used indetermining whether such correlations are satisfactory are known, andmany new suitable criteria and processes are continuously beingdeveloped. The establishment and implementation of such criteria andprocesses will depend, inter alia, upon the biometric characteristics tobe used, the degree of certainty desired in the correlation, and otherfactors, and will be within the ability of those of ordinary skill inthe relevant arts.

If correlation is satisfactory, at 2331 output device 104 is providedwith an access code that the prospective user may use to access thesecure system, e.g., an alphanumeric code to be entered using a keyboard611. Upon receipt of a valid access code, the secure system allows theuser access, and proceeds with processing according to the normal rulesof the accessed system, for example by providing suitable graphical userinterfaces, etc. Access codes provided may be session specific, i.e.,valid only for so long as the prospective user continues to use theaccess system continuously, or opens a controlled door a single time,etc., and may be presented at output device 104 only for a limited time,e.g., 20 seconds, as previously explained.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least process steps 2323,2327, and 2331 are performed wholly or at least partially by theportable access device 100.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a process flow for processing a signalgenerated by a secure system to provide an access code that may be usedto access the secure system. Process steps shown on the left side ofFIG. 9 are performed by a processor of the access device 100 and/or bythe entry station, those on the right side by a processor or processorsassociated with the secure system.

At 2511 the prospective user invokes the system log-in screen using akeyboard 611 or other input device at the entry station, as describedabove, and enters his/her user i.d. and password, and/or otheridentifying information.

Upon receipt of the user-identifying information, at 2515 a processorassociated with the secure system generates a signal to be sent to theportable access device 100. The signal is generated using the systemtime to define data content for the signal. The signal may also be basedon other data, derived for example from a station i.d. provided by theprospective entry station as described herein. The signal is transmittedby causing a display 601, which may be referred to as a Visual DisplayInterface, or VDI, at the entry station 600 to intermittently transmitlight, as for example by flashing signal generating portion 603 betweenwhite or other bright color and off or some dark color such as black.Several suitable methods of using displays to generate light signals areknown, and many are or will hereafter be developed.

At 2519 a signal sensor 102, such as a photosensor 131, at the portableaccess device 100 receives the signal from the signal generator andforwards it to processor(s) 105. Processor(s) 105, processing the signaland optionally a serial number or other identifier associated with theaccess device 100, generates an access code that may be used by theprospective user to access the secure system, as for example byinputting the access code at the entry station by using a keyboard 611.

In parallel to the process at 2519, at 2523 the secure system, using thesame algorithm used by the portable access device, or a relatedalgorithm, determines an access code, and preferably the same accesscode determined by the access device 100, that may be used by theprospective user to access the secure system.

At 2527 processor(s) 105 provide the access code to the output device104, as for example by displaying an alphanumeric code on an LED or LCDdisplay panel. A four-character code has been found to be useful forsystems of the type described herein, in which the prospective user mustread the access code and enter it at the entry station within a limitedamount of time, as for example 20 seconds. Other-length codes may beuseful in similar or different situations.

Provision of the access code to the output device at 2527 may beconditioned upon correlation of biometric data acquired by a sensor 103from the prospective user with previously stored biometric data, asherein described.

At 2531 the secure system compares the access code received from theentry station to the access code determined by the secure system at3523. If the access codes are the same, or are satisfactorily relatedaccording to standards accepted by the secure system, the user isallowed access to the secure system. The system proceeds with allowedprocessing, as for example providing suitable graphic user interfacedisplays and accepting input for further processing according to thesystem.

If the access codes are not identical or sufficiently correlated, thesystem may warn the prospective user and afford one or moreopportunities for retrying, or may recommend that the prospective userseek administrative or technical help, as appropriate.

Many other processes for generating access codes, including the use ofcoding seeds, are presently known and no doubt hereafter to bedeveloped, and are suitable for use with the invention. The adaptationof any such processes for use in conjunction with the invention will bewell within the ability of those of ordinary skill in the arts, oncethey have been made familiar with this disclosure.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in connectionwith preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will beevident to those skilled in the relevant arts may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the inventionis thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology orconstruction set forth above as such variations and modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the invention. Except to theextent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particularorder to steps or stages of methods or processes described in thisdisclosure, including the Figures, is implied. In many cases the orderof process steps may be varied without changing the purpose, effect, orimport of the methods described.

1. A device for providing a code that may be used to access a systemsuch as a computer system, the device comprising: an output device; andat least one processor for processing information representing abiometric characteristic of a person seeking access to the system andinformation provided by the system, and, depending on a result of theprocessing, providing to the output device a code that may be used toaccess the system.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein providing to theoutput device a code that may be used to access the system isconditioned upon a correlation between the information representing thebiometric characteristic and stored biometric information.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the correlation between the information representingthe biometric characteristic and the stored biometric information isestablished by the at least one processor.
 4. The device of claim 2,comprising memory for storing the stored biometric information.
 5. Aportable device for providing a code that may be used to access a systemsuch as a computer system, the device comprising: at least one sensorfor receiving a wireless signal from a system to be accessed; abiometric sensor for acquiring biometric information representing abiometric characteristic of a person seeking access to the system; anoutput device; and at least one processor for processing the biometricinformation and the signal, and for providing to the output device anaccess code.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the wireless signalcomprises an optical signal and the at least one sensor comprises aphotosensor.
 7. The device of claim 6, comprising a plurality ofphotosensors, at least one of the photosensors being an infrared sensorand at least one other of the photosensors being a visible-spectrumsensor.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein the output device is adisplay.
 9. A portable device for providing a code that may be used toaccess a system such as a computer system, the device comprising: atleast one sensor for receiving a wireless signal from a signal generatorassociated with the system to be accessed; a biometric sensor foracquiring biometric information representing a biometric characteristicof a person seeking access to the system; at least one processor forprocessing information received from the at least one sensor and thebiometric sensor and providing the code; and a housing supporting the atleast one sensor, the biometric sensor, and the processor.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises at least one surfacewith which is associated a means for identifying the person.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the means comprises at least one of a humanreadable device and a photograph.
 12. The device of claim 10, whereinthe means comprises machine-readable coding.
 13. The device of claim 10,wherein the means comprises an electronic device.
 14. A method ofproviding a code for use in accessing a system such as a computersystem, the method performed by an access device and comprising:processing biometric information received from a biometric sensorassociated with the access device to establish a correlation between thereceived biometric information and stored biometric information; and ifthe correlation satisfies a correlation criteria, providing to an outputdevice of the portable access device an access code that may be used toaccess the system, the access code determined using information receivedsensor associated from the system to be accessed; otherwise notproviding to the output device a code that may be used to access thesystem.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the access code that may beused to access to the system is session-specific.
 16. A method ofproviding a code for use in accessing a system such as a computersystem, the method performed by an access device comprising a processor,a signal sensor, and a biometric sensor, the method comprising:processing a signal received by a signal sensor of the access devicefrom a signal generator associated with a system to be accessed, todetermine whether the system has received information indicating that aperson seeking access to the system is attempting to access the systemusing a primary entry station; if it is determined that the person isattempting to access the system using a primary entry station, providingto an output device of the portable device an access code that may beused to access the system regardless of any biometric informationreceived from a biometric sensor of the access device; otherwiseproviding to the output device an access code that may be used to accessthe system only upon determination that a correlation criteria issatisfied by biometric information received from the biometric sensorand biometric information otherwise accessed by the access device. 17.The method of claim 13, wherein the access code that may be used toaccess the system is session-specific.